Kerr & Catley to lead Westfield Matildas at France 2019

Westfield Matildas Head Coach Ante Milicic today installed ace attacker and Perth Glory skipper Sam Kerr as captain of the Westfield Matildas, and experienced defender Steph Catley as the team’s vice-captain, through to the completion of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

Kerr, who has represented Australia 72 times since making her international debut in 2009, and Catley, who has 69 caps to her credit, will be charged with leading the squad on and off the field through to the end of Australia’s participation at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“We had four great training sessions and several team and individual meetings while we were in Brisbane, and to me their qualities as leaders of this group stood out.

“With any honour comes responsibility, however I trust that Sam and Steph as well as the other leaders in our squad are ready to grasp the opportunity to push this team to a new level,” he said.

The honour comes after Kerr also skippered Perth Glory in the Westfield W-League to the 2018/19 Grand Final.

Kerr – who will lead the team onto Leichhardt Oval on Thursday evening when Australia plays New Zealand at the inaugural Cup of Nations – explained that she is proud to have been installed as the full-time captain of the team through to France 2019.

“It is a tremendous honour to have been recognised by Ante [Milicic] and the staff as captain of the Matildas,” Kerr said.

“Ante gave a great speech about what it means to play for Australia to the team yesterday and at the end of it surprised us with the announcement.

“Together with Steph and the team we are committed to excelling at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and there will be no bigger honour than to wear the armband in France,” she said.

Catley, who plays for Melbourne City in the Westfield W-League - said she’s delighted to continue in a leadership role with the Westfield Matildas.

“To be recognised as a leader within the Matildas is a fantastic honour,” Catley said.

“Together we can make France 2019 a special World Cup for Australian football.”